Dual function push trigger

Abstract

A dual function push trigger is disclosed. In one aspect, the trigger includes a first switch, which may be mechanical in nature and may be considered as a first force sensor that activates a primary function when a first force is applied, and a second force sensor that activates a secondary function when a second force is applied. The second force sensor activates a secondary function upon application of a second force less than the first force. When the second force is detected, haptic or tactile feedback may be provided to alert the user that a desired force for secondary function activation has been used. By providing this second sensor and feedback, the user can avoid unintentional application of excessive force and avoid unintended primary function activation.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 560,839, filed on March 4, 2024, and entitled “TWO-FUNCTION PUSH TRIGGER,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The technology of this disclosure generally relates to a manually pushed trigger having two activation points that initiate different actions. Background Art

[0004] Handheld devices are ubiquitous in modern society. Many of these devices include one or more buttons that activate functions on the device. In many cases, there may be pressure to combine functions into a single button. Examples include, but are not limited to, the autofocus and photo functions of digital cameras or fingerprint authentication functions, as well as the clear or turn off screen function on some mobile communication devices. However, other combinations or arrangements are possible. In many cases, a user attempting to activate the first function may inadvertently trigger the second function. Therefore, there is room for innovation to improve the user experience through such dual-function triggers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various aspects disclosed in the specific embodiments include a dual-function push trigger. Specifically, various aspects of the present disclosure contemplate a first switch, which can be mechanical in nature and can be considered a first force sensor, which activates a primary function when a first force is applied, and a second force sensor, which activates a secondary function when a second force, less than the first force, is applied. When the second force is detected, tactile or haptic feedback can be provided to alert the user that the desired force for secondary function activation has been applied. By providing this second sensor and feedback, the user can avoid inadvertently applying too much force and avoid unintended primary function activation.

[0006] In this regard, in one aspect, a dual-function trigger system is provided. The dual-function trigger system includes a contact point configured to respond to a touch by a user, and a first force sensor mechanically coupled to the contact point and configured to actuate a first function when a first force threshold is reached or exceeded. The dual-function trigger system also includes a control circuit, a second force sensor coupled to the contact point and configured to actuate a second function via the control circuit when a second force threshold is reached, the second force threshold being less than the first force threshold, and a feedback circuit coupled to the control circuit, the feedback circuit configured to provide feedback to the user in response to reaching the second force threshold.

[0007] In another aspect, a device is disclosed. The device includes a user interface comprising a contact point and a dual-function trigger system associated with the contact point, the dual-function trigger system comprising a first force sensor mechanically coupled to the contact point and configured to actuate a first function when a first force threshold is reached or exceeded. The device also includes control circuitry, a second force sensor coupled to the contact point and configured to actuate a second function via the control circuitry when a second force threshold is reached, the second force threshold being less than the first force threshold, and feedback circuitry coupled to the control circuitry, the feedback circuitry configured to provide feedback to a user in response to reaching the second force threshold.

[0008] In another aspect, a method of actuating a dual-function trigger is disclosed. The method includes depressing a contact with a force less than a first force threshold but equal to or greater than a second force threshold, actuating a second function in a device and providing feedback to a user in response to satisfying the second force threshold, and actuating a first function in the device in response to satisfying the first force threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG1 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a conventional dual-function trigger in a device;

[0010] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an exemplary dual-function trigger having two force sensors according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an exemplary dual-function trigger having a second force sensor positioned below a first force sensor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an exemplary dual-function trigger having a second force sensor positioned alongside a first force sensor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5 It can be implemented as Figure 2-4 A block diagram of an exemplary system of any one of the examples of;

[0014] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for using the dual-function flip-flop of the present disclosure; and

[0015] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal, which may include a Figure 2-5 Dual function trigger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The embodiments described below represent information necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode for practicing the embodiments. After reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the present disclosure and will appreciate applications of these concepts not specifically described herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0017] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more items in the associated listed items.

[0018] It will be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as being “on” or “extending onto” another element, it may be directly on or directly extending onto the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “extending directly onto” another element, there are no intervening elements. Similarly, it will be understood that when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is referred to as being “over” or “extending over” another element, it may be directly over or directly extending over the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly over” or “extending directly over” another element, there are no intervening elements. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0019] Relative terms, such as "below" or "above" or "up" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical," may be used herein to describe one element, layer, or region's relationship to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that, unless expressly defined herein, the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0022] Various aspects disclosed in the specific embodiments include a dual-function push trigger. Specifically, various aspects of the present disclosure contemplate a first switch, which can be mechanical in nature and can be considered a first force sensor, which activates a primary function when a first force is applied, and a second force sensor, which activates a secondary function when a second force, less than the first force, is applied. When the second force is detected, tactile or haptic feedback can be provided to alert the user that the desired force for secondary function activation has been applied. By providing this second sensor and feedback, the user can avoid inadvertently applying too much force and avoid unintended primary function activation.

[0023] Before discussing various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, a brief overview of a conventional dual-function flip-flop is provided with reference to FIG1 . In this context, from the reference Figure 2 A discussion of various aspects of the disclosure begins.

[0024] In this regard, FIG1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a dual-function trigger 100. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed that the dual-function trigger 100 is a touch button on a mobile terminal (not specifically shown), such as a cell phone that includes a fingerprint reader. Thus, the dual-function trigger 100 includes a button 102 that is substantially flush with an outer surface 104 of the mobile terminal. The button 102 is positioned above or associated with a fingerprint sensor 106. Depressing the button 102 deforms a mechanical dome switch 108 positioned on a chassis 110 (or other substantially rigid and immovable surface) of the mobile terminal.

[0025] When a finger approaches or contacts button 102, and also typically closes the active application or turns off the mobile terminal's screen, this conventional dual-function trigger 100 will activate and capture the finger's fingerprint. For many applications, this dual-function approach is sensible because it preserves valuable real estate on the mobile terminal and, under normal use, allows the user to not only unlock the mobile terminal using biometric authentication using the fingerprint sensor, but also close applications or the screen. However, many applications require secondary authentication. For example, a banking application may request fingerprint access to account information after opening the application (e.g., by tapping the banking application icon). While a cautious user may have little difficulty activating the fingerprint sensor without pressing button 102, others may press button 102 with enough force to close the application or turn off the screen, requiring a complete restart. This repetition can lead to a poor consumer experience. Two solutions are conventionally offered. The first is not a true solution, relying on training the user to press lightly enough so that dome switch 108 is not activated. The second solution requires a press-and-hold action to close the application or lock the screen. While this approach adequately separates the two functions, it will increase the latency experienced by the user.

[0026] A second problem may arise in the actual fingerprint sensor 106. Depending on the pressure applied, the fingerprint may have a different appearance on the sensor 106 (a light touch may have easily discernible ridges and valleys, while a heavy touch may appear compressed). Therefore, if the user changes the force applied relative to the initial recognition training, the user may experience false rejections due to inconsistent pressure.

[0027] Therefore, the variability in the user experience of a combined dual-function trigger presents an opportunity for improvement. Aspects of the present disclosure contemplate adding a second force sensor to the dual-function trigger, which enables one function to be triggered at a predetermined force while providing feedback that allows the user to know that the appropriate predetermined force has been applied. Forces exceeding this predetermined force will actuate the first force sensor (e.g., a dome switch) to actuate another function (e.g., closing an app or locking the screen).

[0028] Figure 2-4 Various placement options for the force sensor are shown. In one exemplary aspect, the force sensor can be a Qorvo part QM98000 or a capacitive element having two plates whose relative position changes as the force changes, thereby changing the capacitance according to the well-known formula C = ε*a1*a2 / d, where C is the capacitance, ε is the dielectric constant of the intermediate material a1, a2 is the corresponding area of ​​the plates, and d is the distance between the plates. A known current or voltage can be applied to the two plates and measured to derive C(d). When C(d) is at a predetermined threshold, an associated function can be actuated. Other force sensors can also be used without departing from the present disclosure.

[0029] In this regard, Figure 2 A dual-function trigger 200 is shown. Dual-function trigger 200 includes a button 202 that is substantially flush with an outer surface 204 of a mobile terminal. Button 202 is positioned above or associated with a fingerprint sensor 206. Depressing button 202 deforms a first force sensor (e.g., a mechanical dome switch) 208 positioned on a chassis 210 (or other substantially rigid and immovable surface) of the mobile terminal. A second force sensor 212 is positioned between fingerprint sensor 206 and first force sensor 208. First force sensor 208 is configured to actuate a first function upon application of a force exceeding a first threshold (e.g., upon full compression of the dome switch). Second force sensor 212 is configured to actuate a second function upon application of a force exceeding a second threshold but below the first threshold. In one exemplary aspect, the first function closes an application or locks the screen on the mobile terminal, and the second function actuates fingerprint sensor 206.

[0030] As explained below, actuation of the second function may be accompanied by some form of feedback discernible by the user (eg, tactile or tactile (eg, vibration) or auditory (eg, tone)).

[0031] Similarly, Figure 3 and Figure 4 Dual function flip-flops 300 and 400 are shown, sharing many of the same parts, but in Figure 3 In FIG, the second force sensor 302 is positioned below the first force sensor 208, in the chassis 210 or on the top surface of the chassis 210. Figure 4 , the second force sensor 402 is positioned next to the first force sensor 208 and may be actuated by some form of rod 404 .

[0032] By adding the second force sensor 212, 302, 402, it is now possible to actuate the second function with a known force (e.g., between 0.5 Newtons and 3 Newtons). Furthermore, because the second force sensor reads with a consistent force, variable-force functions (such as fingerprint reading) can be actuated with the same force (not too light and not too squeezing). This consistency allows for an initial high-quality finger image to be set up, which can then be consistently compared to the same level of force to properly evaluate the biometric data. Note that when the second function is fingerprint detection, the second force sensor may be incorporated into the fingerprint sensor 206.

[0033] Figure 5 A block diagram of a dual-function trigger system 500 is provided in FIG. , wherein it should be understood that any of the above examples can be incorporated into system 500. More specifically, system 500 can include a control circuit 502, which can be, for example, an application processor. Control circuit 502 communicates with a first force sensor 504 (e.g., a dome switch, etc.) and a second force sensor 506 (e.g., force sensors 212, 302, 402). A contact or button 508 can be moved in such a manner as to simultaneously apply force to first force sensor 504 and second force sensor 506. When the applied and detected force exceeds a second threshold, control circuit 502 can activate a second function controlled by second function circuit 510 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor). When the applied and detected force exceeds a first threshold greater than the second threshold, control circuit 502 can activate a first function controlled by first function circuit 512. System 500 further includes feedback circuitry 514 that can provide tactile, haptic, visual, or auditory feedback to the user when the first force threshold or the second force threshold is reached.

[0034] For clarity, first and second are used in this context, and it should be understood that when used, the order is inverted relative to the normal discussion. However, because the first function is often associated with an intuitive or default purpose for the button or contact 508, such default function takes precedence over the secondary function.

[0035] refer to Figure 6 An exemplary process 600 for using a dual-function trigger is shown. Process 600 begins when a user touches a button (or contact 508) and applies force thereto (block 602). The button is pressed, and force is simultaneously applied to first force sensor 504 and second force sensor 506 (block 604). Process 600, and specifically control circuit 502, determines whether the second force sensor 506 exceeds a second threshold (block 606). If the answer is "no," it may be determined whether all force has been removed (block 608). If the answer to block 608 is yes, process 600 returns to block 602. If the answer to block 608 is no, process 600 returns to block 604.

[0036] However, if the answer to block 606 is yes, the control circuit 502 activates the second function using the second function circuit 510 (block 610) and may optionally provide feedback using the feedback circuit 514. The control circuit 502 then determines whether the first force sensor 504 exceeds the first threshold (block 612). If the answer to block 612 is no, the process iterates through block 608, as previously discussed. However, if the answer to block 612 is yes, the control circuit 502 may activate the first function using the first function circuit 512 (block 614).

[0037] It should be further noted that while the above description focuses on a mobile terminal as a primary device and a fingerprint sensor as a secondary function, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Other possible use cases include a camera, where the primary function is taking a picture, and the secondary function is autofocus, autoflash, zoom, slow motion, or other functions. Still, another use case is an audio device, where the primary function might be on / off, and the secondary function is volume or channel selection. It should be understood that in some use cases, there may be more than two functions associated with a trigger, where different force thresholds trigger different functions, or one of the functions may be continuous (e.g., volume or zoom). Still, another option is to allow the threshold of the second function to be programmed to be consistent with the user's own perception of the optimal contrast between the first and second thresholds.

[0038] In addition to the use cases shown above, the dual-function trigger of the present disclosure can be set in or integrated into any processor-based device. Examples include, but are not limited to, a set-top box, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a communication device, a fixed location data unit, a mobile location data unit, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a tablet computer, a phablet, a server, a computer, a portable computer, a mobile computing device, a wearable computing device (e.g., a smartwatch, a health or fitness tracker, glasses, etc.), a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a monitor, a computer monitor, a television, a tuner, a radio, a satellite radio, a music player, a digital music player, a portable music player, a digital video player, a video player, a digital video disc (DVD) player, a portable digital video player, an automobile, a vehicle component, an avionics system, an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a multirotor helicopter.

[0039] For completeness, refer to Figure 7An exemplary user element is described. More specifically, the concepts described above can be implemented in various types of user elements 700: such as mobile terminals, smart watches, tablet computers, computers, navigation devices, access points, and similar wireless communication devices that support wireless communications, such as cellular, wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth, and near-field communication. User element 700 will generally include a control system 702, a baseband processor 704, a transmission circuit system 706, a reception circuit system 708, an antenna switching circuit system 710, multiple antennas 712, and a user interface circuit system 714, which may include the dual-function trigger of the present disclosure. In a non-limiting example, the control system 702 can be a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In this regard, the control system 702 can include at least a microprocessor, embedded memory circuits, and a communication bus interface. The reception circuit system 708 receives radio frequency signals from one or more base stations via antenna 712 and antenna switching circuit system 710. The low-noise amplifier and filter of the reception circuit system 708 cooperate to amplify and eliminate broadband interference from the received signal for processing. Downconversion and digitization circuitry (not shown) then downconverts the filtered, received signal to an intermediate or baseband frequency signal, which is then digitized into one or more digital streams using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0040] The baseband processor 704 processes the digitized received signal to extract the information or data bits conveyed in the received signal. This processing typically includes demodulation, decoding, and error correction operations. The baseband processor 704 is typically implemented in one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and ASICs.

[0041] For transmission, the baseband processor 704 receives digitized data, which may represent voice, data, or control information, from the control system 702 and encodes the digitized data for transmission. The encoded data is output to the transmit circuitry 706, where a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts the digitally encoded data into an analog signal, and a modulator modulates the analog signal onto a carrier signal at the desired frequency or frequencies for transmission. A power amplifier amplifies the modulated carrier signal to a level suitable for transmission, and the modulated carrier signal is delivered to the antenna 712 via the antenna switching circuitry 710 to the antenna 712. Multiple antennas 712 and replicated transmit and receive circuitry 706, 708 can provide spatial diversity. Those skilled in the art will understand the modulation and processing details.

[0042] It should also be noted that the operational steps described in any of the exemplary aspects herein are described for the purpose of providing examples and discussion. The described operations can be performed in a number of different orders other than the order shown. In addition, the operations described in a single operational step can actually be performed in many different steps. In addition, one or more operational steps discussed in the exemplary aspects can be combined. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the operational steps shown in the flow charts can undergo a number of different modifications. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that any of a variety of different technologies and techniques can be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0043] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations. Therefore, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A dual-function trigger system comprising: a contact point configured to respond to a touch by a user; a first force sensor mechanically coupled to the contact and configured to actuate a first function when a first force threshold is met or exceeded; control circuit; a second force sensor coupled to the contact and configured to actuate a second function via the control circuit when a second force threshold is reached, the second force threshold being less than the first force threshold; as well as A feedback circuit is coupled to the control circuit, the feedback circuit being configured to provide feedback to a user in response to reaching the second force threshold.

2. The dual-function trigger system according to claim 1, wherein: The contact includes a button.

3. The dual-function trigger system according to claim 1, wherein: The first force sensor includes a dome switch.

4. The dual-function trigger system according to claim 1, wherein: The second force sensor comprises a capacitance-based force sensor.

5. The dual-function trigger system according to claim 1, wherein: The feedback circuit is configured to provide tactile feedback to the user.

6. The dual-function trigger system according to claim 1, wherein: The feedback circuit is configured to provide auditory feedback to the user.

7. The dual function trigger system of claim 1, further comprising a fingerprint sensor associated with the touch point.

8. The dual-function trigger system according to claim 7, wherein: The second force sensor actuates the fingerprint sensor when the second force threshold is reached.

9. The dual-function trigger system according to claim 1, wherein: The first force sensor is coupled to the control circuit.

10. A device comprising: A user interface, the user interface comprising touch points; A dual-function trigger system is associated with the contact, the dual-function trigger system comprising: a first force sensor mechanically coupled to the contact and configured to actuate a first function when a first force threshold is met or exceeded; control circuit; a second force sensor coupled to the contact and configured to actuate a second function via the control circuit when a second force threshold is reached, the second force threshold being less than the first force threshold; as well as A feedback circuit is coupled to the control circuit, the feedback circuit being configured to provide feedback to a user in response to reaching the second force threshold.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein The device includes a mobile terminal.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The contact includes a button.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein The user interface further includes a screen, and the first function locks the screen.

14. The device of claim 11, further comprising a fingerprint sensor, and the second function actuates the fingerprint sensor.

15. The device according to claim 10, wherein The device includes a camera.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein The first function is taking a picture.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein The second function calls the autofocus algorithm.

18. A method of actuating a dual-function trigger, the method comprising: depressing the contact with a force less than a first force threshold but equal to or greater than a second force threshold; in response to satisfying the second force threshold, actuating a second function in the device and providing feedback to a user; In response to the first force threshold being met, a first function in the device is actuated.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein Actuating the second function includes actuating a fingerprint sensor.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein Actuating the first function includes locking a screen on the mobile terminal.

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